Thursday, February 25, 2010

Architectural Timeline and Neolithic Architecture

Ancient Era

9000-3000 B.C. - Neolithic

3000-30 B.C. -Egyptian

1200-30 B.C. -Greek

200 B.C. - 500 A.D. -Roman

Middle Ages

900-1150 A.D. -Romanesque

1120-1500 A.D. -Gothic

1350-1500 A.D. -Renaissance

1600-1750 A.D. -Baroque

1750-1850 A.D. -Romantism

1850-1900 A.D. -Neoclassical

Modern Era

1850-1940 A.D. -Art Nouveau

1870-1960 A.D. -Arts & Crafts

1910-Present -International Style

1925-1950 A.D. -Bauhaus

1925-1980 A.D. -Post Modern

1980-Present -Structural Expressionism

2000-Present -Interactive Architecture



The Neolithic Period

The Neolithic period includes architecture that dates back to 9000 B.C. This architecture was found initially in Southwest Asia and eventually spread eastward and westward as time proceeded to the end of this period around 3000 B.C. People in the Neolithic period were great builders. They used natural items, such as mud-bricks, large stones, and timbers, to construct structures and buildings, like everyday houses and villages. Another technology used primarily for constructing walls for buildings was wattle and daubing. This building material is made by weaving wooden strips (wattle) and daubing them with a sticky substance, such as a mixture of wet soil and clay. This building style is still used even to this day. Timbers were used as beams in buildings that used wattle and daub, which helped make the building more durable and structurally sound.

The most popular structure that was created during this time period was the Stonehenge (as seen below), located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Architectural Design

In the field of architecture I am interested the most in architectural design and for a career would like to be a basic architect. I like the idea of planning and designing buildings that are structurally sound and that are energy efficient. I feel my creativity could help out in this career.

An architectural designer is an architect that is primarily involved in the design of buildings and/or urban landscapes. When creating a design, architectural designers must analyze the layout of the area and how the structure will fit into this design. Many architectural designers work in the design studios of architectural firms.

The first step in becoming an architect is taking a 5 year master's or bachelor's program at a college or university. An example of a university with an architecture program is Syracuse University, stand out the most for my interests. Other schools that I liked include the University of Maryland, Lehigh University, and Temple University. Although five years is not always required, it is recommended by most colleges and universities.

Just gaining a degree is not all though, the next step is completing a period of practical training or internship (usually for three years and a minimum of two). With an internship under your belt you then have to take the ARE (Architect Registration Examination) to gain a license. The ARE assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture. After passing all divisions of the ARE the final step is applying to a firm where you will begin your career as an architect. So there is a total of around 8 years, if not more, of preparation before you can actually be an architect.